Flesh Wounds

I remember watching old cowboy shows and if one of them got shot, usually in the arm, they would say “I’m all right it‘s just a flesh wound” and would proceed to wrap their bandanna around the bleeding wound and go galloping off. 

As Christian’s, sometimes we too receive what I call “flesh wounds,” but ours come in the form of offenses received through callous, hurtful remarks or intentional, harmful actions from others.

Let’s face it!  Sometimes we take a hit. No fault of God, but we should expect it, because God tells us offenses “will” come.

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offenses will come. Luke 17:1a

Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment]. Proverbs 19:11

We can either choose to handle the offenses that come to us God’s way or our own way, and I’ve learned it is always in our best interest to handle offenses God’s way.

So what should we do when we receive a “Flesh Wound”? 

1) The Decision: we should realize that being offended by what someone does or says, is a “choice.” Instead of becoming angry or upset, remember who is truly our enemy, and armour up! Remember what Ephesians 6:10-18 says, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

2. Choose to walk in love. "Love is not easily provoked or offended" 1 Corinthians 13:5.  

3. Do not allow the offense to result in any corrupt communication or become a root of bitterness. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice" Ephesians 4:29-31. 

4. Entrust the entire situation to God, as you choose to walk in love. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour" Ephesians 5:2. 

5. Remember our Savior "Who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" 1 Peter 2:23. 

6. And finally remember God’s promise: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28.

Amen!

Teach children about the Armor of God.

Copyright 2023 Cheryl Mariano
Photography by Towfiqu barbhuiya @pexels.com

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